This is the only thing concerning if I'm taking the Ravens at +9.5. They played in the wild card, and six quarters in the Denver. The Ravens were fortunate they didn't have to deal with a bruising back in the Broncos game. The Pats on the other hand will be able to run with Vareem or Ridley if they wanted to. This is where the extra bye benefits the other team.
I think the Ravens D come out hot the first two quarter. If they fall behind 14 early this game is going to be a blow out. Denver fail all day to take a two TD lead despite having numerous opportunities. It's hard to see Brady not taking advantage of that on a old opportunistic Defense that is probably worn down.
The RAVENS had 4 offensive TD. All 4 TD had one huge offensive big play in it.
The 1st TD was a 59 yard deep TD to Torrey Smith first 30 yards aided by a Pass interference.
The 2nd TD was a 32 yard deep TD to Torrey Smith two play drive.
The 3rd TD was a setup by a Denver fumble in their own territory setting up a 32 yard run by Rice for a eventual TD two play drive
The 4th TD was that obvious magical 70 yard bomb two play drive.
Flacco big game is actually more deceiving than it looks. Flacco passed for 330 yards, but up until the Jacoby Jones play Flacco only had 218 passing yards at that point. The Broncs D held Flacco in checked the entire 2nd half. The Ravens can not win without those big plays. Flacco is not that kind of QB that can consistently pick a defense apart. If the Ravens can not keep Brady off the field, they have zero chance to win. This is why Vegas has them a huge +9.5 Dog again.
The Broncos offense on the other hand got 3 long methodical touchdowns on sustaining drives.
The 1st TD started at the 26 yd involving 14 plays finishing with a Stokley 15 yd TD pass
The 2nd TD started at the 14 yd involving 8 plays finishing with a Moreno 14 yd TD pass
The 3rd TD started at the 12 yd involving 10 plays finishing with a Thomas 17 yd TD pass
What I'm pointing out is the the Broncos was able to efficiently move the ball on that old Ravens D, and Brady will definitely be able to do the same. Probably even better.
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Will Ravens D wear out against the Pats?
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